10 ways to Boost Your Brain Power

Exams and tests and the need for world domination arise about this time of year. Let’s face it, sometimes life has a way of becoming strenuously complicated and there is so much to cover, memorize and learn that there are not enough hours in a day.

There are a few key ingredients that can aid in improving memory, learning, concentration, attention span, reasoning, social skills, effective decision making and focus. Although none of the supplements and nutrients below can allow you to pass a test with flying colours without looking into your notes they can boost your brain power to the next level.

Ginkgo Biloba

Often used for memory disorders (Alzheimer’s and Dementia and Lyme’s disease) and for preventing headaches, ringing in the ears, vertigo, mood disturbances, and hearing disorders that are all associated with reducing blood flow to the brain.

Ginkgo aids in improving blood circulation throughout the body improving brain, ear, eye and leg function. This added blood flow to the brain won’t cause your brain to explode, instead it will help bring more oxygen to your thinking machine. It also helps to get rid of free radicals that result in the damage of brain cells. Having your brain work at its best will help you raise yourself to your full potential.

Lion’s Mane

An edible mushroom, traditionally used in China and Japan for stomach ailments, aiding the digestive system, as a tonic for the nervous system and in cancer prevention. Research has shown that the mushrooms components; threitol, D-arabinitol and palmitic acid may have antioxidant effects that aid in regulating blood lipid levels, and reducing blood glucose levels.

It has been shown to regrow brain neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system, reconstruction of neurological degeneration, boost cognitive function as well as memory loss and develop reflexes.

dosage: 1 tsp twice a day – can take as a capsule, make it into cookies.

Green & Black tea

These two teas have numerous benefits in the body, for the brain they aid in preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine (which is responsible for the stimulation of muscles – including those of the gastrointestinal tract – the function of sensory neurons and the autonomic nervous system as well as playing a part in scheduling your dream sleep (REM)) which will help you improve your memory over time. Green tea has shown to have lasting impacts where as the effects of black tea may only last a day.

Rosemary tea

A few sprigs of fresh or dried rosemary steeped in hot water and drank before a test/exam is the perfect way to stimulate your mind and dive deep into your brain to remember information you may have trouble finding otherwise. Rosemary aids in stimulating memory and alleviating mental fatigue. Tea or tincture, Rosemary strengthens mental clarity so drink up and power your brain.

NOTE: if you are every feeling exhausted after a long work week, take a bath and add a few (or many) drops of Rosemary tincture. It will stimulate blood flow through the body and wake you up!!

Sage tea

A few dried or fresh leaves steeped in hot water will benefit memory recall – prefect for tests and game shows. It is believed that sage contains chemicals that aid in stimulating message transmissions in the brain.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Fish oil, flax seeds and oil, chia seeds and any foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids are essential for proper brain development and for the maintenance of the brain’s functions later on in life. Strongly linked to aiding in the prevention of the onset of Alzheimer’s, omega-3 fatty acids help keep your brain in check.

B Complex

There are many B vitamins (B1 – Thiamin, B2 – Riboflavin, B3 – Niacin, B5 – Pantothenic Acid, B6 – Pyridoxine, B7 – Biotin, B9 – Folic Acid, B13 – Orotic Acid, B15 – Pangamic Acid, B17 – Laetrile and they are all Water-soluble meaning they are not stored well in your body. Because of this fact it is very important to make sure that you constantly replenish their stores. B vitamins are taken to help combat stress, fatigue, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, and hyperactivity.

For the Brain, B vitamins help transport oxygen to the brain, helping to rid the body – and your brain area of free radicals. They help you with concentration and focus, as well as preventing you from becoming to fatigued, which is something you may need if sleep is something you have not experienced for a while.

Iron deficiency

A lack of iron in your bloodstream, as well as a depletion of ferritin (stored iron) will result in a lack of hemoglobin — aka your brain will once again be lacking oxygen. If you have ever been anemic, or experience its symptoms know, you will understand the feeling of tiredness, inability to focus or concentrate and trouble recalling information. Taking a sublingual B12 would also be beneficial against anemia and helping to boost your brain’s potential.

Water

The Brain is mainly made of water, so when you don’t drink enough and you are feeling thirsty and dehydrated so is your brain. Keep sipping throughout the day. Make sure that you are drinking alkaline water that has been remineralized.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid. It is an important part of cells, primarily the cell membrane. Originally manufactured from cow brains (good luck finding it any place), now you are going to find PS made from soy and sunflower (make sure you go with GMO and if possible organic). Helps to sharpen memory and increase thinking ability.

Also, if you haven’t figured it out yet, make sure you get enough sleep — as close to 8 hours as possible, before a test, exam or an evil world domination plan.